PETROGLYPH FNA CLINIC

FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION

RELIABILITY

It's a very good test but like everything in life it's not perfect. Depending on the composition of the nodule and the size of the needle used, there is a 3-4% chance that material cannot be obtained, even after several attempts. There is a small probability, usually less than 10% depending on the size, location, and type of nodule, that it may not be interpreted as cancer when cancer is there. This is what we call a false negative result. Rarely, in 1% or fewer cases, it may falsely be interpreted as cancer when cancer is not there (false positive).